title: Magnetic quantum dots in biotechnology--synthesis and applications.
abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) have great promise in biological imaging, and as this promise is realized, there has been increasing interest in combining the benefits of QDs with those of other materials to yield composites with multifunctional properties. One of the most common materials combined with QDs is magnetic materials, either as ions (e.g. gadolinium) or as nanoparticles (e.g. superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, SPIONs). The fluorescent property of the QDs permits visualization, whereas the magnetic property of the composite enables imaging, magnetic separation, and may even have therapeutic benefit. In this review, the synthesis of fluorescent-magnetic nanoparticles, including magnetic QDs is explored; and the applications of these materials in imaging, separations, and theranostics are discussed. As the properties of these materials continue to improve, QDs have the potential to greatly impact biological imaging, diagnostics, and treatment.
authors.affiliation: William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Kalpesh D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.forename: Qirui
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dorcéna
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruan
authors.forename: Jessica O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Winter
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D053761:Nanocomposites; D050997:Nanomedicine; D045663:Quantum Dots
chemical_list: D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles
keywords: Iron oxide nanoparticles; Magnetic quantum dots; Nanocomposites; Quantum dots